Alton Brown Ribs Recipe

This fall-off-the-bone, flavor-packed Alton Brown Ribs Recipe is made with baby back pork ribs coated in a bold dry rub and braised in a tangy-sweet mix of white wine, vinegar, honey, and garlic. After a long, slow roast, the ribs are finished with a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. The entire process takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes, and the recipe yields 4 to 6 hearty servings. These ribs pair wonderfully with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or a cool glass of sweet tea.

Alton Brown Ribs Recipe Ingredients

For the Dry Rub

• 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon jalapeno seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Ribs

• 2 (2-pound) slabs pork baby back ribs

For the Braising Liquid

• 1 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How To Make Alton Brown Ribs Recipe

1. Prepare the dry rub: In a jar, mix together all dry rub ingredients and shake to combine.
2. Season the ribs: Lay each rack of ribs on heavy-duty foil, shiny-side down. Generously coat both sides with dry rub, patting it in. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 250ºF.
4. Mix the braising liquid: Combine white wine, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and garlic in a measuring cup.
5. Braise the ribs: Place the foil-wrapped ribs on a baking sheet. Open one end of each packet and pour half the braising liquid into each. Tilt to evenly distribute. Reseal and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
6. Make the glaze: Remove ribs from oven and pour braising liquid into a saucepan. Simmer and reduce by half until syrupy.
7. Broil and glaze: Brush glaze onto ribs, then broil just until the top begins to caramelize.
8. Finish and serve: Slice ribs into 2-bone portions. Toss in remaining warm glaze and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor: Letting the dry rub sit on the ribs longer enhances taste and tenderness.
• Use heavy-duty foil: It helps seal in moisture and withstands the long braising time.
• Reduce glaze carefully: Watch closely so it doesn’t over-thicken or burn.
• Broil briefly: Just enough to caramelize the glaze without overcooking the meat.
• Cut ribs before serving: This helps evenly coat each piece with that delicious glaze.

Best Sides For Ribs

These ribs are excellent with traditional BBQ sides like baked mac and cheese, grilled corn on the cob, or tangy coleslaw. For something lighter, try a green bean salad or roasted sweet potatoes. A cold beer or sparkling lemonade rounds out the meal perfectly.

How To Store Ribs

Refrigerate: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual rib portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Ribs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 490
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 34g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back?
Yes, just adjust the cook time—they may need an extra 30 minutes in the oven due to their size.

Do I need to peel the membrane off the ribs?
Yes, for best texture. Removing the thin membrane from the bone side allows more flavor to penetrate.

Can I use a different alcohol in the braising liquid?
White wine works best, but you can also try beer or apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Can I grill instead of broil at the end?
Definitely. Finish the ribs on a hot grill for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze and add a smoky touch.

How spicy are these ribs?
They have a mild heat thanks to cayenne and jalapeno seasoning, but you can adjust these to your taste.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Alton Brown Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
• Alton Brown Steak Recipe